State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley discussed recent developments in Louisiana’s education system. He highlighted the progress made in implementing policy recommendations aimed at reducing burdens on teachers, such as cutting down on excessive training and paperwork, and addressing discipline issues. These changes, approved by the State Board of Education (BESSIE), are expected to be fully in place by early next year.
Dr. Brumley also emphasized the importance of the new accountability system, which has been in development for about three years. This system aims to provide a more balanced evaluation of schools by considering both absolute performance and academic growth. For high school students, the focus is on strong academic content in the freshman and sophomore years, followed by preparation for various post-secondary paths, including university, workforce, military, or religious service. The revised formula, inspired by Florida’s successful model, aims to improve educational outcomes in Louisiana.
The conversation then shifted to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. Dr. Brumley acknowledged that teachers have varying levels of comfort with AI, with some embracing it and others feeling apprehensive. To address this, Louisiana has developed guidelines for the effective and safe use of AI in schools. These guidelines, created with input from educators and AI experts, cover the basics of AI, its potential applications, and considerations for privacy and safety. Dr. Brumley stressed that these guidelines are foundational and will evolve over time as the technology and its applications in education develop.
Dr. Brumley also noted the potential of AI to enhance personalized tutoring and support in education, while emphasizing that it should complement, not replace, traditional teaching methods. He highlighted the importance of adapting AI use based on students’ age and ensuring that foundational skills, such as reading and math, are mastered before relying on technological aids.